EAT Jewel Bako Makimono101 Second Ave., 212/253-7848Refined Japanese food-tartares, creative makis, and new takes on miso soup-at reasonable prices from culinary wunderkinds Jack and Grace Lamb. There are only 20 seats in all-that's more than their 12-seat formal dining room around the corner at the very precious Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar.

EAT Miss Williamsburg Portavia228 E. 10th St., 212/228-5355, miss-williamsburg.comA feel-good Brooklyn import (the original is in a renovated diner at 206 Kent Ave., 718/963-0802) that churns out grandma-style Italian cooking. The menu includes rich pastas and desserts layered with bold flavors, such as cheese fondue lasagna with pesto and panna cotta draped in berries.

DRINK International Bar120 1/2 First Ave., 212/777-9244An awesome (and scruffy) granddad bar, where the drinks are simple, the decor nonexistent, and a killer jukebox is packed with Devo, Run-D.M.C., and the Buzzcocks. Want confirmation of its cool factor? The Coen brothers have been known to belly up to the bar.

DRINK Bar Veloce175 Second Ave., 212/260-3200, barveloce.comA popular neutral-toned Italian wine bar with high, narrow tables, blond woods, and smart spotlighting. Its appeal has only increased since it was the site of a freak incident in 2002-a crazy wielding guns and a sword was tackled to the ground by two female patrons. No one was seriously hurt, so drink up!

SHOP Gominyc443 E. Sixth St., 212/979-0388, gominyc.comRecycling is brought to new creative heights at this green boutique where everything from clothes to furniture is made from sustainable materials. Items such as bike-chain bracelets and "pot holder" rugs are surprisingly chic.

SHOP Kiehl's109 Third Ave., 212/677-3171, kiehls.com154-year-old pharmacy with a no-frills aesthetic sells its own label of beauty products. Its lip balm, grapefruit body lotion, and other all-natural products have garnered a devoted following. Ask for some free samples.

SHOP East Ninth StreetBetween Ave. A and Second Ave.One of the first enclaves of do-it-yourself designers who thumbed their noses at the fashion and design industries, embarked on the fast track, and opened their own boutiques.

PLAY Amato Opera Theatre319 Bowery, 212/228-8200, amato.orgGrand opera in a tiny theater. Anthony and Sally Amato have been turning their passion for arias into a reality since 1948, providing a professional space for young singers to stretch their vocal chords and strut their stuff. (Many have gone on to sing opera on great stages around the world.) You can see a phenomenal production like La Bohème for a fraction of what you'd pay uptown. Adults $30, students and seniors $25.

PLAY Joe's PubPublic Theater, 425 Lafayette St., 212/539-8770, joespub.comNamed for the theater's late founder, Joseph Papp. It has perhaps the most exciting roster of singers, musicians, comedians, and assorted off-beat acts anywhere in the city. Expect star-spottings. Shows nightly. From $7.

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